Down Under
Aviation News
Issue #2 July 2020
Pilatus PC-9 ON DISPLAY AT FIGHTER WORLD A Fond Farewell for QANTAS' True Queen Of The Skies
Down Under Aviation News
TAVAS Reopens after COVID-19 closure Page 1
Fighter World Sopwith Camel Replica July 2020
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Down Under Aviation News
ISSUE #1, JUNE 2020 CONTENTS Our Team Cover - QANTAS 747 VH-OEJ By Scott Stevenson. Page 3 - Editorial.
Down Under Aviation News, editorial team.
Page 4 - News.
https://downunderaviationnews.wordpress.com/
Page 6 - A Fond Farewell for QANTAS' True Queen Of The Skies.
Phillip Buckley (Editor)
Page 10 - The last of the QANTAS Boeing 747-400ERs
Email: aviationnews@bigpond.com
Page 12 - Temora Aviation Museum announces two showcases for 2020.
Darren Crick (Editor/Layout)
Page 13 - Warbirds Downunder 2020 Postponement.
Email: darren@digitalimages.net.au
Page 13 - Temora Aviation Museum News. Page 14 - TAVAS Re-opens after COVID-19 closure. Page 16 - Pilatus PC-9/A(F) on Display at Fighterworld. Page 19 - Aviation Events. Page 20 - Sights from Central Queensland.
Scott Stevenson (Editor/Proofreader) scottstevenson.duan@gmail.com
DUAN TEAM
Aaron Turvey QLD. Page 22 - Important Taxiway extension for Canberra Daniel Kotronis WA. Airport Page 23 - Warplanes Pty Ltd / Wirraway adventure flights. Darren Crick ACT. Dion Makowski VIC (Aviation Report). Donnington Smythe QLD Page 24 - Phil Buckley talks to Gordon Robinson about Glenn Wilson WA. the CJ-6A Nanchang. Graeme Kenderdine TAS. Matthew Kemplay-Hill VIC. Page 27 - Fighter World Sopwith Camel Replica. Michael Malick QLD. Mike O'Neill NT. Page 31 - Supermarine Spitfire Mk.XVI VH-XVI / TB863. Mitch Coad SA. Nathan Berridge VIC. Page 34 - RFD / Frankenstein MK.4 Life Preserver Unit Phil Buckley NSW. Scott Stevenson ACT. Page 37 - Air to Air. Steve Strike NT. Page 38 - Answering The Call – Life of a helicopter pilot in Vietnam and beyond. Page 39 - Royal Air Force C-130J Hercules ZH889. Page 40 - Ready to Strike. Page 43 - Australian Warbird News Online Store.
Down Under Aviation News
Cover: QANTAS Boeing 747-400 VH-OEJ departs Canberra after its last passenger carrying flight 20/07/2020. Photo by Scott Stevenson.
Page 2
July 2020
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Editorial As we reach the end of July 2020, the once common sight of a Boeing 747, overall white with a red tail featuring a famous white kangaroo, departing Australia ended as the final ever Qantas 747-400 took off on July 22, 2020 from Sydney Airport heading to the USA for storage. After 5 decades of 747 operations, the ongoing impact of COVID-19 along with operating thirsty and expensive 4-engined airliners has brought the mighty 747 operations to a premature end and so has many other peoples careers sadly. DUAN covered the final 747 flight to Canberra and the last take off from Sydney. As we go to publication British Airways has decided to retire all of their 747 fleet effective this month too.
Aaron Turvey
Team News The DUAN team continues to grow with more national coverage coming on board during July. We welcome a new Reporter from Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, Glenn Wilson. We also welcome Canberra-based Reporter and Magazine Proof-Reader, Scott Stevenson. We are keen to hear from other people interested in contributing stories, photographs or articles on aviation from anywhere around Australia. At DUAN we seek to raise the profile of small aeroclubs, airports and associations and, by giving these small operations and people a voice and outlet, they can help to tell their stories.
Scott Stevenson
So if you are interested in helping us, get in touch with us so we can help promote what you do to our growing reading and spending audience which is up to 10,000+ Facebook followers and many more around Australia and the world.
Phil Buckley
Aaron Turvey
Down Under Aviation News
Phil Buckley
Page 3
July 2020
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HEADLINE NEWS FROM THE AVIATION WORLD Compiled by Scott Stevenson and Phil Buckley AIRLINES QANTAS The final 3 passenger-carrying flights of QANTAS' last B747 - VH-OEJ - took place this month, with special Retirement Joy Flights in Sydney, Brisbane and Canberra. It departed Sydney Airport (as Flight QF 7474) for the United States on Wednesday July 22. QANTAS Airbus A380s continue to be dispatched to storage in the US, with plans to park these until at least 2023. A number of QANTAS' Domestic Lounges (11 of their 35) began to re-open from July 1. Darren Crick
QANTASlink
Two new route announcements have been made: - Sydney to Ballina/Byron Bay daily return flights commenced July 1, serviced by Q400s. - Sydney to Orange flights commenced July 20, serviced by Q200s.
Virgin Australia
Virgin Australia announced a resumption of flights on 17 domestic routes by August - including flights to Newcastle, Hobart, Launceston, Darwin, Alice Springs, Hamilton Island, Maroochydore, Ballina, Coffs Harbour, Proserpine and Mount Isa.
FlyPelican
Scott Stevenson
The Airline commenced direct flights between Canberra and Ballina/Byron Bay on July 3, with thrice-weekly return flights on their Jetstream 32s.
AIRPORTS YMML/MEL
Melbourne Airport celebrated 50 years of operation on July 1. The Airport was opened by then-Prime Minister John Gorton, followed by the departure of the first International flight to San Francisco, US: a QANTAS Boeing 707. Currently Australia's second-busiest airport - since opening in 1970, the airport has seen over a quarter of a billion travellers fly in and out.
Scott Stevenson
YBBN/BNE
Brisbane Airport celebrated the opening of its new 3.3km parallel Runway on July 12. Site preparation and reclamation work for Runway 01L/19R began on July 20, 2012 and has cost up to $1.3 billion. A Virgin Australia Boeing 737 operating flight VA 781 was the first to depart from the new runway - retracing the first flight between Brisbane and Cairns, which took off 73 years ago to the day on 12 July 1947. Darren Crick Down Under Aviation News
Page 4
July 2020
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MILITARY New long-range stand-off anti ship missiles are to be procured for RAAF F/A-18F Super Hornets - after the United States Government approved the sale of up to 200 to Australia. These will replace existing Harpoon Anti-Ship missiles. The AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) has a range of more than 370km and may ultimately also be integrated onto other RAAF assets like the Boeing P8A Poseidon. A former Australian Army Aviation S-70 Blackhawk is being transferred to the Heritage Centre at RAAF Amberley where it will be displayed.
Darren Crick
AIRSHOWS The Warbirds Downunder airshow, planned for Temora, NSW in October 2020, has been moved to Autumn 2021 due to COVID-19 concerns. Exact dates will be announced soon.
MUSEUMS Williamtown-based FighterWorld Museum has recently added a former 4SQN Forward Air Control PC-9A to their collection. They are also currently working on the build of a replica Sopwith Camel.
Scott Stevenson
WARBIRDS Vale Bob Eastgate. The owner of Pt. Cook-based CAC Mustang VH-BOB, Bob Eastgate, died in early July 2020. Bob was a passionate aircraft owner and was very well known across the Australian Warbird scene. B-24 Liberator Restoration Australia are looking for support and Volunteers to continue their project to restore Australia's only surviving B-24 Liberator - in Werribee, Victoria. They are currently expanding their project into a long-term hangar nearby.
Darren Crick
Down Under Aviation News
Phil Buckley
Darren Crick
Page 5
July 2020
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A Fond Farewell for QANTAS' True Queen Of The Skies A long and important chapter in the history of QANTAS came to a close at just after 1:30pm on Friday July 17 - with the landing of Boeing 747-438ER VH-OEJ “Wunala” at Canberra Airport. This touchdown marked the last time a QANTAS Boeing 747 would ever carry paying passengers. Although it was QANTAS’s intention to retire its remaining 747s in 2020, a lack of International travel in the COVID-19 age has meant that their retirement has come at a somewhat faster pace. QANTAS ordered its first four 747s in 1967 - the first of which was delivered in September 1971. Since that time, they have operated every major variant of the 747 and have had a total of 65 in their fleet. For many (your writer included), a trip overseas would not have occurred without one of the “Flying Kangaroo”’s Boeing 747 Jumbo Jets.
Scott Stevenson
Earlier this month QANTAS confirmed that “Wunala” would leave Australia on July 20 and announced that people in three cities would have the opportunity to purchase tickets for “Farewell Jumbo Joy Flights” to celebrate the retirement of the final member of their 747 fleet. Scott Stevenson
Scott Stevenson Down Under Aviation News
Page 6
July 2020
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A Sydney flight took place on Monday 13 July, a Brisbane flight on Wednesday 15 July - and it was Canberra’s turn on Friday 17 July. A Melbourne flight was not possible due to COVID-19 restrictions in that city. On a clear mid-Winter’s morning, a large crowd of Spotters, Photographers and well-wishers turned out to welcome “Wunala” to Canberra last Friday. With much publicity in the Canberra media, the general public turned out in force around the Airport later to watch the Scenic Flight’s Take Off and Landing. Many more took up positions around Lake Burley Griffin, on top of Canberra’s highest mountain (Mount Ainslie) and at other vantage points around the city. Scott Stevenson
The flight took passengers south to the Snowy Mountains and Mount Kosciuszko, before returning to Canberra for a pass over Parliament House and Lake Burley Griffin. It ended with a low pass over Canberra Airport before landing on Runway 17. Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting trucks turned out to provide a water salute for “Wunala” as she returned to her bay to mark the end of her passengercarrying service.
Scott Stevenson
Those who had secured a ticket on the Farewell Flight were gifted memorabilia packs - and during the flight both champagne and emotions flowed. Following shutdown, Business Class passengers were invited to remain onboard to visit the Flight Deck. All passengers had an opportunity to go down to the Tarmac and take photographs around the aircraft.
Scott Stevenson Down Under Aviation News
Page 7
July 2020
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The last ever flight of a QANTAS Boeing 747 will occur on Wednesday 22 July when - following a farewell event at the Sydney Jet Base - “Wunala” will leave Sydney Airport. She will initially fly south to the HARS Aviation Museum to perform an airborne salute to the Boeing 747-400 on display at the Museum - VH-OJA “City of Canberra”, the first of the -400s to come to our National Carrier. From there, “Wunala” will head out over the Pacific one final time - destined for the US Desert and a welldeserved retirement from QANTAS service. The Canberra Farewell Flight occurred on the day British Airways announced that its remaining Boeing 747s will be retired “effective immediately”. Sadly, the days of travelling on the “Queen Of The Skies” as a passenger are fast disappearing.
Scott Stevenson
Scott Stevenson
Scott Stevenson
Scott Stevenson Down Under Aviation News
Page 8
July 2020
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Scott Stevenson
Scott Stevenson
Darren Crick
Darren Crick Down Under Aviation News
Page 9
July 2020
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The last of the QANTAS Boeing 747-400ERs has left Australia Leaving the Qantas Jet Base after a delay of nearly an hour and carrying only cargo, VH-OEJ - using flight number QF7474 - did a lap of the Airport to farewell Qantas staff, enthusiasts and well-wishers before getting an Airport Fire Service water salute. It then came back to the Runway threshold and ran her engines up to full power one last time on Australian soil. Departing at around 3:20pm it headed down Sydney Airport’s Runway 16 Right to the bay instead of the northern take off as some had hoped for. OEJ headed out over Sydney Harbour and then to Shellharbour Airport at Albion Park, where it turned and headed to the USA. Of particular excitement to Spotters and the interested public was the course OEJ steered to retirement. After leaving Albion Park, it turned for the New South Wales Central Coast and drew a Flying Kangaroo in the sky as a simple, moving farewell - bringing to an end 5 decades of Qantas Boeing 747 operations.
Phil Buckley
Phil Buckley
Phil Buckley
Phil Buckley
Phil Buckley
Phil Buckley
Down Under Aviation News
Page 10
July 2020
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Flight Radar 24
Phil Buckley
Phil Buckley Down Under Aviation News
Page 11
July 2020
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TEMORA AVIATION MUSEUM ANNOUNCES TWO SHOWCASES FOR 2020 Temora Aviation Museum are pleased to be able to be open to the public 7 days a week from 10am to 4pm. Our COVID-19 safety practices are working well, and we thank our visitors for following them. A reminder that all Museum non-flying day entry tickets are available online, to minimise contact and align with Government requirements. We know visitors are disappointed about the postponement of Warbirds Downunder 2020, however we are excited to be able to host two Aircraft Showcase events this year, albeit in a modified format. The two dates of our Aircraft Showcase events are: •
29th August: August Aircraft Showcase
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17th & 18th October: October Aircraft Showcase
COVID-19 Modifications • Both events require tickets to be pre-purchased online via the links below. • There will be no walk ups allowed, as we are currently limited to 500 visitors onsite. If restrictions change, we will of course notify our fans. • Social distancing measures will be in place and spectator areas will be divided into sections with set numbers in each. • Please contact the Museum if you are an annual pass holder so that we can issue an e-ticket to you. • Please contact the Museum if you wish to purchase more than 10 tickets. • Please contact the Museum if you wish to make a Group booking (20+ people), to receive the Group Booking price (Terms & Conditions apply) If you have any questions, please on don't hesitate to contact us at info@aviationmuseum.com.au
Colin Turner
Colin Turner
Colin Turner
Down Under Aviation News
Page 12
July 2020
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Warbirds Downunder 2020 Postponement The Temora Aviation Museum team has made the tough decision to postpone Warbirds Downunder 2020. Originally scheduled for 17th & 18th October 2020, the event will be deferred to Autumn of 2021, with exact dates to be announced shortly. We are encouraging ticket holders to keep their tickets until a new date is announced. If you wish to receive a refund for the October event, this can be arranged through our ticketing partner, Ticketmaster, by clicking the link below; https://help.ticketmaster.com.au/hc/en-au/requests/new? ticket_form_id=360000116133 For more information about Warbirds Downunder 2020, visit www.warbirdsdownunderairshow.com.au
TEMORA AVIATION MUSEUM NEWS Canberra Update The restoration of the Canberra Bomber is tracking well. Initial parameter and functional checks of the engines have been successfully completed, the aircraft weight and balance checks have been carried out, and the team are fine tuning the electric start conversion. Next up are the fire bottles which are waiting to be overhauled.
Vampire Update
Col Brennan via Temora Aviation Museum
The restoration of the Vampire is also moving in the right direction. Airframe inspections have been completed, we are waiting on some parts to arrive for the engines, and the engines are undergoing inspections for return to service.
Spitfire MkXVI The fuel cell for the Spitfire MkXVI has been completed and is on its way back to the Museum for installation.
Down Under Aviation News will be attending both showcase events for 2020.
Down Under Aviation News
Colin Turner
Page 13
July 2020
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TAVAS Re-opens after COVID-19 closure After COVID-19 restrictions closed The Australian Vintage Aviation Society (TAVAS) Early Aviation Museum for nearly four months, TAVAS held their Grand Reopening over the weekend of Friday July 10 to Sunday July 12. Fokker DR.I Triplane, Fokker E.III Eindecker, Bristol F.2B Fighter and Tiger Moth engine runs were conducted on Saturday and Sunday and these proved very popular with visitors. TAVAS Early Aviation Museum was originally opened on April 23 2018. The official opening followed a centenary Great War Flying Display on April 21 and 22 - which was a great success and saw several of the Museum’s aircraft flying and on static display.
Aaron Turvey
The museum is Australia’s only collection of flying World War 1-type aircraft. It is dedicated to the men, women and machines of the first 30 years of powered flight. Examples on display include the Henri Farman III, SE5a, Sopwith Camel, Fokker E.III Eindecker, Fokker DR.I Triplane, Bristol Fighter F.2B and Fokker D.VII. The TAVAS Early Aviation Museum is located 40 minutes north of Brisbane - at Hangar 106, Eagle Lane, Caboolture Airfield Queensland and is open 10am to 3pm Thursday to Sunday. You can stay up to date with goings-on at TAVAS through their website (http://www.tavas.com.au) or their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TAVASWW1). They can be contacted by email at info@tavas.com.au.
Aaron Turvey
DUAN congratulates Andrew Carter and his TAVAS team for a successful reopening weekend.
Aaron Turvey
Aaron Turvey
Aaron Turvey
Aaron Turvey
Down Under Aviation News
Page 14
July 2020
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Aaron Turvey
Aaron Turvey
Aaron Turvey
Aaron Turvey
Aaron Turvey
Aaron Turvey Down Under Aviation News
Page 15
July 2020
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FAC TO THE FUTURE Pilatus PC-9/A(F) ON DISPLAY AT FIGHTERWORLD In early 2020, Fighter World Museum unveiled their newest exhibit - the former 4 Squadron RAAF Pilatus PC-9/A(F) A23-020. This Aircraft and its display seeks to educate the public on the Operational Role of PC-9 aircraft in the RAAF particularly those which operated from Williamtown. The exhibit story explains how the Squadron trained JTACS and aircrews to work in the specialised Forward Air Control (FAC) environment.
Phil Buckley
4SQN works closely with ADF stakeholders such as Combat Controllers and Special Forces units - providing integrated training to enable ADF assets to utilise FAC resources, whether they are in Australia or around the world. Airframe A23-020 was delivered to the RAAF in 1988 as the first totally Australian HDH built PC-9/A trainer. Soon after it was assigned to 2FTS at RAAF Pearce, WA for Pilot training - using the Trainer Unit colour scheme of orange and white. By 1995 it had moved to RAAF Williamtown and joined "C" Flight at 76 SQN, where it was repainted in an all-grey scheme. In 2002 it moved to the new Forward Air Control Development Unit (FACDU). It was spotted in 2004 wearing 77 SQN markings. By 2009 it had been transferred to 4 SQN operations, which had been re-formed to manage the FAC training role. During 4 SQN service it gained the name "Newton VC" on the front left nose area and a low-viz shark mouth artwork was added.
Phil Buckley
It was noted in 2019 as been withdrawn from service and transferred to the Williamtown Aviation Heritage Centre (WLM AHC) / Fighter World museum. Special retirement markings were added to the airframe to honour squadron members. All PC-9/A were retired in the last few years and the FAC airframes preserved are A23-020, A23-022, A23-031 and A23-032.
Phil Buckley
Phil Buckley
Down Under Aviation News
Page 16
July 2020
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Phil Buckley
Phil Buckley
Phil Buckley
Phil Buckley Down Under Aviation News
Page 17
July 2020
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Phil Buckley
Phil Buckley
Phil Buckley Phil Buckley
Darren Crick Down Under Aviation News
Page 18
July 2020
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AVIATION EVENTS 29th August 2020. Temora Aviation Museum Showcase (NSW). www.aviationmuseum.com.au 2nd to 4th October 2020. AAAA National Fly-in. Wangaratta (VIC). www.antique-aeroplane.com.au 17th and 18th October 2020. Temora Aviation Museum Showcase (NSW). www.aviationmuseum.com.au 24th and 25th October 2020. AAAA Grass Roots Fly-in. Leeton (NSW). www.antique-aeroplane.com.au 7th and 8th November 2020. Wings Over Illawarra, Albion Park Rail (NSW). www.wingsoverillawarra.com.au
Darren Crick
14th and 15th November 2020. Cressy Airshow (VIC). Autumn 2021, date TBA. Warbirds Downunder 2020/21. Temora (NSW). www.warbirdsdownunderairshow.com.au 3rd and 4th July 2021. Brisbane Airshow. Watts Bridge Airfield (QLD). www.brisbaneairshow.com.au 4th to 6th September 2020 William Creek Fly In (NT) 23rd to 26th November 2021. Australian International Airshow, Trade Days. Avalon (VIC). www.airshow.com.au
Darren Crick
26th to 28th November 2021. Australian International Airshow, Public Days. Avalon (VIC). www.airshow.com.au *All advertised dates may change due to COVID-19.
Down Under Aviation News
Page 19
July 2020
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Sights from Central Queensland Spotters at Rockhampton have been spoilt for choice recently, with visitors coming from far and wide to drop in at our rural airport. We have recently had an unprecedented level of Military activity and an increase in commercial charters we are definitely seeing signs of the Aviation Industry recovering from the COVID-19 slow-down. With the construction of the Adani mine and its vital railroad, Rockhampton has seen an increase in visits by the Cessna 208 Caravans of Hinterland Aviation. As the project continues, it seems likely that we will be seeing increased numbers of flights by them. An increasingly-regular visitor into our Rural airport has been the Royal Australian Air Force - with most days consisting of multiple visitors. The most regular of them are the KC-30A MRTT and the C-17A Globemaster III. More recently we have seen the RAAF’s VIP aircraft - the Dassault Falcon 7X and (for the first time in 2020) a Boeing 737 Business Jet - both visiting. The shows that these Military aircraft put on as they arrive and leave are appreciated by Spotters.
Michael Malick
Michael Malick
A unique group of recent visitors has been Search and Rescue aircraft. It has been a treat to see the bright, vivid colours of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority Challenger 604 and the Border Force Dash 8-200. Another distinctive visitor to Rockhampton has been a Petrel LS Ultralight seaplane - who seems to be conducting a round-the-world trip. Michael Malick
Michael Malick Michael Malick
Michael Malick
Down Under Aviation News
Michael Malick
Page 20
July 2020
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My new personal favourite have become recurring visitors - the Virgin 737-8s with the split scimitar winglets. These winglets act to reduce drag and increase fuel efficiency on the aircraft - and give them a very different look. It will be interesting to see whether all Virgin 737s that visit us are retrofitted with these winglets. With the Industry showing strong signs of recovery and rural airports seeing more daily visitors it is a sign of relief for many - particularly the pilots who are facing time out of the sky or the ground handlers toughing it out with vastlyreduced levels of work. We can only hope that this recovery trend continues and the Aviation Industry can return to the state it once was at.
Michael Malick
Michael Malick
Michael Malick
Michael Malick
Michael Malick Down Under Aviation News
Page 21
July 2020
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Important Taxiway extension for Canberra Airport A new taxiway will shortly be available at Canberra Airport - when the extension to Taxiway Bravo opens. Taxiway Bravo - which is on the Terminal (Western) side of main Runway 17/35 - currently only runs about two-thirds of the way along the runway. Aircraft which use Runway 35 for landings must exit onto the existing Taxiway Alpha. In peak times this means that aircraft regularly need to wait for arriving aircraft before they are able to cross the runway to get to their gate. In “normal” times the issue is compounded by larger aircraft - such as Qatar Airways’ Airbus A350 and Singapore Airlines’ Boeing 777, and visiting Military aircraft such as Boeing C-17 Globemaster IIIs - which cannot use Taxiway Alpha and so are required to back-track on the Main Runway after arrival and before departure. When complete, the extension to Taxiway Bravo will link the southern end of Runway 35 (Taxiway Papa) with the northern end (new Taxiway Echo) and will be suitable for the largest aircraft using the Airport. This includes the Boeing 777s and Airbus A350s that visited daily before restrictions were applied for COVID-19. At present, final asphalting work is being completed on the Taxiway. Signs and lighting have already been installed. More information on the Taxiway can be found in AirServices Australia’s AIP Supplement - at: https://www.airservicesaustralia.com/aip/current/ sup/s20-h29.pdf It is expected that the Taxiway Bravo extension will be opened in August. Down Under Aviation News will be covering this event.
Scott Stevenson
Scott Stevenson Down Under Aviation News
Scott Stevenson Page 22
July 2020
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Warplanes Pty Ltd / Wirraway adventure flights Warplanes Pty Ltd offers you the chance to fly over the amazing Sunshine Coast or the picturesque Moreton Bay in our CAC CA-16 Wirraway - taking in the sights of South-East Queensland along the way. Aaron Turvey
Have a scenic flight or challenge yourself with an adrenaline-pumping aerobatic experience. The Wirraway was used as an advanced trainer and combat aircraft in the Royal Australian Air Force. Over 750 were built in Australia between 1939 and 1946. The name “Wirraway” is derived from an Aboriginal word for “Challenge”. This is one of only three Wirraways currently flying in Australia, making your flight experience a rare and unique event. DON’T MISS OUT! Warplanes Pty Ltd is based at Caboolture Airfield - just 40 minutes north of the Brisbane CBD. For bookings and more information go to www.warplanes.com.au
Aaron Turvey
Aaron Turvey
Glenn Hunt
Darren Crick Glenn Hunt
Aaron Turvey Down Under Aviation News
Page 23
July 2020
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PHIL BUCKLEY TALKS TO GORDON ROBINSON ABOUT THE CJ-6A NANCHANG AND FLYING How did you become involved with aviation / flying and at what age? I had previously travelled extensively by 4WD in central Australia. One day near Innaminka, I watched a light plane come in and 3 men dressed in whites were picked up. By the time I got to the pub covered in red dust I had concluded there was a better way to see this big country. This lead me to wanting to learn to fly aircraft and I booked flying lessons on my return.
Phil Buckley
How did you find learning to fly – going through the stages of gaining your licenses and approvals? was it easy or challenging for you? I started flying lessons in 1978 at age 42 at Lilydale Flying School Victoria. Since then I have accumulated over 2,000 hours in several different aircraft mostly travelling throughout Australia, Spain and France. I also hold a Spanish flying licence. What is your most favourite aircraft to fly and why? I have owned a wide variety of aircraft such an AESL Airtourer ex Singapore Airforce, Comanche 260C, Piper Tripacer, RV6A and a CJ-6 Nanchang. I have owned the CJ-6 Nanchang for 15 years. I currently also still own the RV-6A. Out of all the types I have flown I rank the CJ-6 Nanchang as my favourite.
Phil Buckley
How would you describe flying the CJ-6 Nanchang? Its controls are beautifully harmonised and with its weight and fairly heavy wing loading, it is able to handle all conditions extremely well. It is a baby to fly and there is nothing like sitting behind a radial. How do you find flying an ex-military aircraft compared to other civilian aircraft? Since its restoration at Judy Pay's Tyabb workshops, my son and I fly it regularly around Victoria mostly. The flying of warbird aircraft are more intense with many regulations and they need more specific maintenance.
Down Under Aviation News
Page 24
Phil Buckley
July 2020
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How much effort goes into maintaining the CJ-6 Nanchang? The maintenance is on a par with a Cessna 182 for cost but you have to accept it is ex-military and pay that extra attention to servicing to ensure it is flyable. Do you find the regulations and costs imposed on flying a major factor in deciding if you want to fly on any given day? The increasing costs of aviation overall, may force the GA industry to disappear in the long term. What is your own view of the current aviation industry in Australia? Can it expand further, perhaps bringing more people into the industry? On the aviation scene in Australia, I always bemoan the adversarial attitude of our regulators. It sometimes seems that they would be happier if GA disappeared altogether. How could AOPA and the aviation industry help attract more people to become interested in flying? AOPA looks like it is doing the best job it can do in its position and at least seems to be keeping our regulators honest. What goals have you got for the future with your aviation interests?
Phil Buckley
I prefer to keep a low profile in the aviation community and look forward to continued flying around this great country of ours.
Phil Buckley
Phil Buckley
Phil Buckley Down Under Aviation News
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July 2020
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Phil Buckley
Phil Buckley Down Under Aviation News
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July 2020
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Fighter World Sopwith Camel Replica Fighter World's Sopwith Camel project began with a request for a volunteer to construct a replica World War I engine. John Stephens - an accomplished woodworker - was quick to respond and created a visually-accurate replica Clerget 9B, 9-cylinder aircooled rotary engine using some unique parts (a plastic wash basin, MDF and PVC tubing). John then decided that the Engine needed an aeroplane. Following investigation, he concluded that the Sopwith Camel F1 would be a suitable recipient. John Hannah - recruited to produce the metal components - says: “It really was the Spitfire of the First War” The two ‘Johns’ were joined by Roger Foster and Graham Haynes. Intended as a replacement for the Sopwith Pup, the Camel first flew in December 1916. It was armed with two .303in (7.7 mm) Vickers machine guns mounted in front of the cockpit, firing forward through the propeller. A fairing surrounding the gun installation created the hump that led to the famous name. Unlike the Pup and Triplane, the Camel was not considered pleasant to fly. To its pilots, it provided a choice between a ‘wooden cross, red cross and Victoria Cross’. Nevertheless, its agility made it one of the best-remembered Allied aircraft of World War I.
Phil Buckley
Phil Buckley Down Under Aviation News
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July 2020
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Entering squadron service in June 1917, around 5,500 Camels were produced. It was credited with shooting down 1,294 aircraft more than any other Allied scout. Together with the S.E.5a, the Camel helped to wrest aerial superiority from the German Albatross scouts. Plans for the Fighter World Camel were purchased from a US company called Replicraft. These plans are a faithful reproduction of the original Sopwith plans, but have been re-drafted to reduce hundreds of drawings down to the bare minimum. The plans were of a very high standard and covered all components in great detail.
Phil Buckley
John Hannan recalls: “We started making bits at home sometime in 2012 and I think the assembly of the fuselage started in February or March 2013. Pretty much all of the component production (both wood and metal) was done at our homes and all of the assembly was completed at Fighter World”. There are two ‘original’ parts in the aircraft - the altimeter (from an S.E.5a) and the propeller. John Hannan’s father did his apprenticeship on WWI-surplus aircraft and obtained the altimeter in the early 1920s. The propeller was donated and most likely came from a Sopwith Pup or an Avro 504K. Everything else was manufactured to be identical in appearance to the originals.
Phil Buckley
“I don't think we've had any major challenges and we've followed the plans closely as regards the dimensions of all wooden parts and most of the metal ones” says John. The aircraft is being built for display only “so we've felt justified in cutting a few corners, if it would save cost and time”.
Phil Buckley
Phil Buckley Down Under Aviation News
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One of the main departures from airworthiness requirements was the choice of timber. Fuselage longerons and struts were made from Meranti, which is strong and durable. The wing spars were made from Oregon instead of Sitka Spruce. The plywood is a mix of aircraft- and marine-grade timbers. Metal fittings were made from 18-gauge zinc-anneal sheet, for workability and corrosion resistance. Joining of metal parts was by brazing - these joints are as strong as welding and much less susceptible to corrosion. There are a few anachronisms in the Aircraft. The original turnbuckles tensioning the bracing wires were cast in bronze - instead, stainless steel has been used. Likewise, Phillips-head screws have been used in the construction such screws were not invented until sometime in the 1930s. With construction almost complete, the uncovered aircraft was placed on display in December 2017. When covered, the replica will be painted in the colours of 4 Squadron, AFC - displaying the heritage of 4 Squadron RAAF, currently based at Williamtown. The aircraft will stand testament to the skill and patience of those involved in the project and as a memorial to those who blazed the sky over 100 years ago.
Phil Buckley
Phil Buckley Down Under Aviation News
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Phil Buckley
Phil Buckley Down Under Aviation News
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SUPERMARINE SPITFIRE Mk.XVI VH-XVI / TB863
Aaron Turvey
Aaron Turvey Down Under Aviation News
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Aaron Turvey
Aaron Turvey
Aaron Turvey Down Under Aviation News
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Colin Turner
Colin Turner Down Under Aviation News
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RFD / FRANKENSTEIN MK.4 LIFE PRESERVER UNIT IN RAAF SERVICE Life Preserver Units (or LPUs) are used to provide a means of floatation for aircrew who crash or eject into water. The LPU enables them to remain buoyant until rescued or until they are able to climb into their life raft and house survival aids to use to facilitate a rescue. During World War 2 a number of different versions of the British “Mae West” Life Preserver were used by the Royal Australian Air Force in Europe and South East Asia. (These “Mae West” designs will feature in future DUAN magazine issues). After World War 2, the Royal Air Force were looking for a new LPU and they settled on the Frankenstein-built Mk IV vest. The Mk IV design was a development of the “Mae West” but refined and adapted for 1950s use. These Frankenstein-manufactured LPUs were introduced into RAF service as the Mk4 / IV vest and assigned Stores Reference 22C/1479 with their title as “Waistcoat portion, Aircrew life jackets Mk IV". The design was an improvement over the “Mae West” as it was less bulky and had a low-profile design for fitting into cockpits. The Mk IV harness was designed to fit snugly to the wearer. The design of the Life Preserver assisted in keeping the wearer’s head above water with its horseshoe (U-shaped) collar. The layout of the pockets was such that it would not get in the way of seating or ejection seat harnesses. The back of the vest (neck area) had a zipper to allow Aviation Life Support personnel to inspect and remove the rubber bladder for servicing.
Phil Buckley
Phil Buckley
Phil Buckley
The vest’s pockets could hold items for use while waiting for rescue - such as a SARAH radio and battery, distress light/beacon, sea dye marker, whistle, signal mirror and limited food and water supplies. Lanyards at waist level on the vest connected to life raft kits in ejections seats. When the vest needed to be deployed, the wearer would pull down on the toggle on the left hand side - this would then activate the gas cartridge (generally only visible by the head of the dark red handle) which would inflate the rubber LPU bladder. If this didn’t work the wearer could operate it through manual inflation - by blowing into the tube on the right hand side.
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Phil Buckley
July 2020
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The Mk IV design was eventually adopted and built in Australia under license by companies such as Dunlop in Victoria - with production continuing until 1984. Aircrew from aircraft like Sabres, Canberras, Neptunes and Mirages wore these vests. RAAF Mirage pilots were also seen wearing the green version in the mid-to-late 1980s - as it was thought that a green vest was more appropriate in a combat environment than a bright yellow one.
Phil Buckley
Phil Buckley
Phil Buckley
Phil Buckley Phil Buckley
Down Under Aviation News
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Phil Buckley
AWM Down Under Aviation News
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Air to Air The Yakovlev Yak-18T VH-ZEX, owned by Col Slupik and the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet of the RAAF are this months air to air images. Do you take images of aircraft in the air and want to display them here. Send an email to; darren@digitalimages.net.au
Darren Crick
Phil Buckley
Down Under Aviation News
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Answering The Call – Life of a helicopter pilot in Vietnam and beyond Title – "Answering The Call – Life of a helicopter pilot in Vietnam and beyond" Author – Bob Grandin Author Bob Grandin served in the early days of the Royal Australian Air Force involvement with UH-1 Hueys in Vietnam. Bob Grandin joined the RAAF in the early 1960s and by 1965 - aged 25 - he was flying SP-2 Neptunes on convoy protection duties. In 1966 he found himself joining helicopter operations with 9 SQN, learning to fly the UH-1B Huey. Known as a multi-purpose and effective platform which was well-liked, Bob would soon be flying the Hueys in intense combat missions in Vietnam. The book recounts Bob's training, combat time in Vietnam and post-war readjustment to society. It has been written using the logbook he used while based at Nui Dat, South Vietnam. Bob shares his memories of the humorous, the boring, the adrenaline-fuelled and the totally horrific. He details the missions he flew in Vietnam - some very well-known and some less-so. On 18 August he was co-pilot of a 9 Squadron Iroquois that flew over the enemy to resupply desperate soldiers engaged in battle at the Long Tan rubber plantation. Enduring extremely poor weather conditions and enemy fire the critical role played by Bob and 9 Squadron contributed to our success in the Battle of Long Tan. Bob’s book also details his struggle to adjust to the world outside of the RAAF after leaving the Vietnam War. He reveals the impact of the war on his psychiatric well-being, personal relationships and his teaching jobs, and his struggles with PTSD. Bob’s father saved Australian newspaper articles from the time Bob was in Vietnam - and these provide further insight into how important helicopters were in Vietnam. "Answering the Call" provides the unique perspectives and daily life of a Royal Australian Air Force helicopter pilot in the Vietnam War and helps to uncover the rarely-told stories of RAAF Hueys in Vietnam. ISBN13: 9781922265401 Size: C format / 263 pages Binding: Paperback The book can be bought directly from the Publisher (Hachette) for AUD $29.99 RRP + postage - at this link: https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/books/answering-thecall/
Phil Buckley
Down Under Aviation News
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Darren Crick
Royal Air Force C-130J Hercules ZH889 Visited Canberra on July 20 after coming in to Australia via Darwin. While here it visited Adelaide, Canberra and Sydney.
Darren Crick
Darren Crick Down Under Aviation News
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Ready to Strike By Adam Lunney
Echo Books 2018 Book Review by Andy Wright Aircrew Book Review www.aircrewbookreview.blogspot.com There is a living legend airworthy in Australia, yet, despite there only being three flying Spitfires in the country, it is often seen as ‘the other Spitfire’ alongside its more ‘toothy’ stablemate. Of all the aircraft flown in combat by RAAF squadrons in Europe and the Middle East, Spitfire Mk.XVI TB863 is the only one left flying. It is a reminder of the RAAF commitment to the air war against Germany, but, despite the European war claiming the lion’s share of attention for much of the rest of the world, save Bomber Command, it comes a distant second to the local study of Australia’s role in the South Pacific. The Spitfire is painted in the markings it wore in early 1945 when it saw service with 453 Squadron RAAF. Most, if not all, Australian fighter squadrons in the northern hemisphere are overshadowed by the accomplishments of 3 Squadron in North Africa and beyond. Adam Lunney’s project is, therefore, incredibly welcome. When the unit formed in Scotland in June 1942, it did so as a new, ‘green’ squadron within the RAF. The squadron’s nameplate, however, had already been through the wringer in a previous incarnation during the defence of Malaya and Singapore. Flying the Brewster Buffalo, the squadron did what it could against the all-conquering Japanese (the Buffalo did better than many believe, but was completely hamstrung by poor spares supplies, and the lack of time to complete repairs, with most examples lost being destroyed on the ground). Still, admittedly embarrassed by the chain of events down the Malayan Peninsula and into the Dutch East Indies, the authorities were not terribly enthused with the squadron’s legacy or its continuation. However, just a few months after its disbandment, it was reborn on the other side of the world. While admittedly two separate entities, ‘453’ was again active and, despite its unwarranted reputation in the Far East, its pilots would continue the tradition of courage and dedication begun by the Buffalo men.
Colin Turner Down Under Aviation News
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Colin Turner July 2020
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A significant part of the RAAF’s commitment to the air war in Europe, 453 Squadron was really just another Spitfire unit within the RAF’s Fighter Command. Its early leaders, squadron and flight, were posted in from other units where they had gained valuable combat experience. They were not necessarily Australian, though. The ground crew were also local despite the plan for the Article XV squadrons, and the desires of the Australian government, to have RAAF squadrons solely staffed by Australians. Australian aircrew (and other nationalities flowing into the UK) went where they were needed within the RAF. Still, the effort was made to place them with RAAF units. Despite a pool maintained in 1944, 453 Squadron still could not guarantee having an Australian pilot posted in as a replacement post-Normandy. Working up in the relatively quiet airspace over Scotland, the squadron was eventually posted south where, like any other Spitfire squadron on the frontline, it was heavily involved in the RAF’s offensive over occupied Europe. Convoy and local patrols aside, the pilots’ lives consisted of a steady diet of bomber escorts and fighter sweeps from their airfields on the English Channel. It’s all very familiar stuff, but for a book that mentions Normandy on the cover, the extent of the coverage is surprising, but necessary. This discussion runs to about 100 pages and shows the development of the squadron as a fighting unit and, importantly, the evolution of its culture and character. Typical of an operational squadron, many pilots come and go, for various reasons. For those who return for a second tour, the author goes to great pains to welcome them back with reference to the response from the incumbents (often highly amusing). This builds the feeling of family that is at the heart of such an organisation. Ultimately, 453 Squadron becomes part of the Second Tactical Air Force, the RAF’s major direct contribution to the forthcoming Normandy landings. Initially operating from RAF Ford, as it had been before the invasion, the squadron’s personnel were the first Australians to fly combat ops from France before making the move proper to ALG B.11 on the coast just to the west of Arromanches. Life now consisted of a frenetic, endless, dangerous mix of ground attack, escort and interception operations, with the former certainly making up the majority. Fighter pilots being fighter pilots, the Australians yearned for some action in their preferred role – encounters with the Luftwaffe. While rare, per the narrative, the squadron performed well when it did have the chance to tangle with German aircraft. Worn out at the end of September, the unit was back in the UK for a wellearned rest, but that, as the author tantalisingly closes the operational discussion, is another story. This is the first book of any depth to be written about the squadron since Duty Done, ‘Rusty’ Leith’s biography. While the squadron continued to fly sorties to the end of the war, the book finishes its look at ops as August 1944 closes. It is, as the cover says, ops ‘over Normandy’. That said, ‘Normandy’ doesn’t kick off until page 163. For a book a touch over 400 pages, that’s a good chunk of what is effectively an operational preamble. The author steps the reader through the squadron’s history, starting with the Far East, before jumping sideways to introduce the Spitfire. These first two chapters are almost polar opposites. The Far East chapter is not the most sparkling of openings for an operational history. It feels laborious, but I think this is a function of trying to condense a hell of a lot of information into a single chapter that, in the great scheme of things, isn’t vital to the
Colin Turner
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On the flip side, the following chapter, meet the Spitfire, a subject that could easily get away from any writer given the breadth of detail and stories available to draw from, is handled beautifully. It is a well-written analysis of the most famous of aircraft that avoids the expected stereotypes and emotion (or the gushing and waxing lyrical!), but shows respect and a genuine passion for the design. Comments from those who flew the Spitfire were chosen carefully and range from published memoirs and accounts to recorded interviews on archive or conducted by the author himself. A little over forty pages long, with some illustrations, and almost 200 references (more on that shortly), it is the chapter that sets the hook in the reader and confirms the author’s ability to get to grips with a sweeping subject. Then it’s down to business. The operational history is very nicely handled. While, at times, there is not a lot of action pre-Normandy, the narrative avoids being dry and repetitive. Quotes, anecdotes and minibiographies/vignettes, particularly as the pilots come and go, are used to good effect to break up the day-today reporting and present a very readable account. The momentum builds as the reader approaches the date of the Normandy landings, but despite the incessant operational flying, the author takes the time to follow a pilot’s escapades as he evades the Germans after being shot down, for example. Such a thing could quite easily be limited to ‘Joe Bloggs was back with the squadron three weeks later after evading the Germans’ if there was a desire to keep things centred on operations, but, as you’ve hopefully worked out by now, this is far more than an operational history. After all, what is a squadron, what is a Spitfire, without the men who were part of it? Ready to Strike is available as a print on demand book (and at shops that have acquired stock of course). This enables it to be printed locally to the buyer, thus saving on dreaded postage costs. The review copy is the softcover option and makes a good, solid book. In either format, however, this is an attractive publication illustrated throughout by images sourced from families, archives and, once again, the author’s own legwork during at least one visit to Normandy. As alluded to above, it is extensively referenced and the bibliography is equally epic. There is no index, however, and that is a let-down for a book as important as this, a key, latter day feature in the recorded history of the RAAF in Europe. The referencing at the end of each chapter helps soften this blow a little. That said, for the author’s first book, this is how operational histories should be tackled. Focus on the people, keep it personal and don’t get bogged down in the numbers and stats. They’re vital, yes, but they wouldn’t exist were it not for the people to whom we owe so much. Adam Lunney achieves a fine balance with Ready to Strike. ISBN 978-0-6483552-2-9
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Where to buy; Ready to Strike By Adam Lunney $33.35 Booktopia.com.au Also available through the following booksellers Hardcover - ISBN: 9780648308232 Paperback - ISBN: 9780648355229 https://www.amazon.com/ref=nav_logo https://www.angusrobertson.com.au/ https://www.goodreads.com/book/ show/42261344-ready-to-strike https://www.fishpond.com.au/Books/ Ready-to-Strike-Adam-Lunney
July 2020
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Australian Warbird News Online Store
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